Research

May 3, 2024

Birdwatching can help students improve mental health, reduce distress

A new study finds people who have nature-based experiences report better well-being and lower psychological distress than those who do not. Birdwatching in particular yielded promising results, with higher gains in subjective well-being and more reduction in distress than more generic nature exposure, such as walks. Because birdwatching is an easily accessible activity, the results…

Apr 26, 2024

Mammals on ‘Sky Islands’ May Be Threatened By Climate Change, Human Development

A new study sheds light on how climate change and human development threaten mammal species living in isolated biodiversity hotspots known as “sky islands.” Researchers placed camera traps throughout Mt. Kenya National Park in East Africa, following the same route up the mountain used by Theodore Roosevelt during his expedition there in 1909. By comparing…

Apr 8, 2024

Removal of DC’s Cherry Blossoms Reflects Troubling Future For Coastal Forests

“It’s a great example of where people can see the effects of sea level rise and what’s happening all over the East Coast,” says NC State expert Marcelo Ardón.

Mar 22, 2024

New Sustainable Labs Program Launched

The new Sustainable Labs program empowers NC State researchers and lab users to adopt sustainable practices in campus lab spaces.

Mar 7, 2024

Improving Wood Products Could Be a Key to Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions

Harnessing the ability of wood products to store carbon even after harvest could have a significant effect on greenhouse gas emissions and change commonly accepted forestry practices, a new study from NC State researchers suggests. The new study published in the journal Carbon Balance and Management uses carbon storage modeling to link the carbon stored in…

Mar 1, 2024

Estela Garcia: My Favorite Freshwater Species’ Are the Ones with No Brain and No Eyes

If there’s one thing I know about fieldwork now, it’s that it is unpredictable and never guaranteed… And that field work is usually followed with lots of lab work! I’m…

Feb 28, 2024

No Trees at Sea

Sandy Wright ‘67 recounts his time at sea with fellow classmates as they embarked on secret voyages to safeguard the United States from nuclear war. 

Feb 15, 2024

How Trees Survive in Winter

Trees have developed a number of adaptations over the centuries to endure freezing temperatures, heavy snow and strong winds.

Jan 31, 2024

3 Reasons Why Forest Carbon Offsets Don’t Always Work

The success of a forest carbon offset project ultimately relies on its ability to conserve forests — a difficult task in today’s world.

Jan 19, 2024

As Arctic Blast Spreads Across US, Wildlife Endure Frigid Conditions

Wildlife have lived through extreme weather conditions for hundreds of thousands of years, evolving behavioral and physical adaptations to survive.